Responding to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation report on child poverty, which has forecast levels could remain static in the region by 2029, North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said:
“Tackling child poverty is our mission as a region. We will not tolerate a situation where a generation of children are held back by poverty. This report is a stark warning that we all need to lend a hand so that every child growing up in our region can fulfil their potential.
“That’s why I’ve set up the country’s first Child Poverty Reduction Unit, to bring together business and the public sector with people who can make a difference in our communities. The Unit will meet for the first time this week to build a plan for every part of the North East, tailored to family needs to give every child the best start in life.
"We have already announced that bus and Metro fares will be capped at £1 for everyone up to the age of 21; we are paying for schools to support children better with after-school clubs, family learning sessions and school gate welfare advice for parents; and we are putting £50m into skills training, which will help parents find and stay in work. These are real actions we are taking now.
“I’m working closely with ministers to secure more powers and resources that our area needs, so we can connect people to the jobs, investment and opportunities we are creating. That’s how we will tackle poverty and ensure no child is left behind - by working together, using every pound of investment and tool at our disposal."